Shadowrun <3: What books to buy

[KujakuDM]

My wife has always had more than a passing interest in Shadowrun (something about big troll dudes, lol).

I have done a bit of research and I think 3rd edition is the one to go into but I was wondering, what books should one get if they are going to play in the pre-4th edition world?

Any assistance or advice is appreciated.

[Neurophage]

Corebook, Shadowrun Companion, and Cannon Companion are required reading for everyone. Man and Machine is required reading for any street samurai. Magic in the Shadows is the same for mages. Matrix and Target: Matrix is the same for deckers. Rigger 3 and Critters are good just to keep around. You might also want the info books for wherever in the world you're playing (Like, you'd want Shadows of Asia for a game taking place in Neo-Tokyo or Hong Kong).